Say, did I ever tell you where Emeril got that Bam! Thing from? See, Mr.
Lagassee and I were having a few beers one night (he hails from Fall River,
just a stone’s throw over the Massachusetts and Rhode Island state line) and
watching a marathon of the old Adam West Batman series on the Family
Channel. Knowing Emeril’s fondness for all things Cajun, I broke out the
Louisiana-brewed Abita Turbodog and poured him a big glass while we watched
the Joker get his due. Just as Emeril lifted his glass to his lips, those
magical words drifted across the screen. POW! BAM! ZIFF!

“Bam?” Emeril remarked. “I like that. I like it a lot!”

And so a legend was born. Errr, or maybe not. Maybe I just had a few too
many Turbodogs one night and dreamt the whole thing up. That might be more
likely. Still, even if I never had Emeril as a houseguest, I can tell you
that Abita’s Turbodog seems to be one of his preferred beers. He features
it frequently on the show (perhaps because of it’s Louisiana origins?) and
uses it from time to time as an ingredient in some of the dishes he
prepares. Though I can often think of many other beers that would be a
better component of or complement to some of Emeril’s recipes, I can respect
his appreciation of beer, especially a delightful brew like Turbodog.

Turbodog began as a specialty brewing for Abita, but was so well received
that it quickly became a year round staple brew for the Abita Springs based
company. Located about 30 miles from New Orleans, Abita was founded in 1986
in the early days of the craft brewing revolution. Since then, the company
has grown to two locations, both in Abita Springs: the original brewery, now
converted into a brewpub, and a new and larger brewhouse that opened in 1994
to meet increased demand.

With increased production capability came national distribution of both
bottled and draft beers, including the robust and delicious Turbodog. I’ve
seen this beer on draft at just about every Taco Mac I’ve ever visited, at
the Sunset Tap and Grille in Boston, and especially recall sipping a pint in
a small bar with a great selection in Syracuse, New York whose name escapes
me. More than 30 states in total now have Turbodog distributed within their
borders, and that number will most likely increase soon.

Admittedly, Louisiana is not a state that readily comes to mind when one is
considering the more beer-oriented states in the USA. Still, Turbodog is a
beer that would be at home with the best of them no matter where you find
yourself. This should come as no surprise, for though it’s not exactly a
beer I’d pair with Cajun food, Turbodog is a bold and hearty brew from a
state famous for its bold and hearty cuisine.

Abita Turbodog pours to a very dark brown color with a creamy, medium sized
head formation. The nose is chocolaty and slightly vinous, the palate
very clean and chocolaty, first upfront where it combines with a slight
grainy malt character and a hint of chicory, then in the finish where it
becomes bitter sweet when combined with the balancing Willamette hops.
Obviously plenty of chocolate malt is used in this delicious brew, along
with pale malt and a little Crystal thrown in for body.

Abita calls this a dark brown ale, which it just might be, although an
idiosyncratic one. The chocolate character puts the brew somewhere on the
borderline between brown ale and porter. It’s a special treat when paired
with chocolate. Try it with M&Ms or peanut butter cups for a sinfully
delightful escape.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.